Sylvia Albrecht

Sylvia Albrecht had a brief career, coming to prominence at age 16 in 1979. That year, she won East German titles in the sprint, 500 m, 1000 m and 1500 m. Internationally, she did well with a fourth place in the World Sprint Championships, placing second in the first 500 m. With the same result in the 500 m, she also came in 10th at the World Allround Championships. The following year, Albrecht did not do nearly as well, placing well outside the medals in the national championships. But Albrecht managed to qualify for the Olympics, although not in her best distance (the 500 m). In the 1000 m, Albrecht brought home the bronze medal, just ahead of compatriot Karin Enke. It was to be Albrecht’s last major event - she retired to get married later that year. Later, Albrecht worked in a kindergarten.

Personal Bests: 500 – 41.2 (1979); 1000 – 1:23.6 (1979); 1500 – 2:11.17 (1979); 3000 – 4:41.12 (1979).